Tarka-śāstra
Tarka-śāstra · tarka-śāstra, “the śāstra of reasoning”
Grammar: neuter noun; a compound of tarka (reasoning, argument) and śāstra (teaching).
Meaning: the śāstra of reasoning and argument.
In the scriptures: in the Brahma Purāṇa, at the close of his teaching to the munis on how the jñānīs attain moksha, Vyāsa says that this śāstra of inquiry into tattva is the secret of all the Vedas. It is not gained from tradition-lore or from the āgamas, and it gives ātma-jñāna. Varuṇa taught it to his son Bhṛgu. As butter comes from churning curds and fire from churning wood, the knowers of tattva, churning the śāstras of dharma and satya for tens of thousands of years, brought it out to uplift the seekers of moksha. It should be taught to one who has studied the Veda. It must not be taught, even if he offers the whole earth in return, to one without a calm mind, control of the senses, tapas, knowledge of the meaning of the Veda, obedience to the elders, freedom from envy and straight conduct; nor to one whose buddhi is spoiled by tarka-śāstra; nor to a tale-bearer; nor to one who praises himself. It is better than all wealth and all knowledge, most secret, seen by the maharshis and taught in the Upanishads (Brahma Purāṇa, Chapter 237).
Related terms: Tarka · Śāstra · Tattva · Ātma-jñāna · Upanishad
Sources
- Brahma Purāṇa, Chapter 237